Astro Yoga: what is it, and where does it come from?

One of the most common questions I get as an AstroYogi, is: astro yoga… what’s that?

After I explain what it is, there’s often a follow-up question: so did you make it up?

I’m writing this blog for all of you out there who want to know a little bit more about astroyoga (or even a lot more!)

Put simply…

AstroYoga is the combination of Astrology and Yoga.

It’s a way to line up your yoga practice with the broader environment. It’s a way of practicing in harmony with nature and the universe. And guess what? When you’re in harmony with nature and the universe, your body will naturally feel more balanced emotionally and physically, and you’ll be more effective in the various areas of your life.

AstroYoga can be done generally (making yoga flows that jibe with the astrological and planetary seasons) or more personally (doing yoga that corresponds to planetary seasons as they relate to an individual’s chart).

From a more historical perspective, and because I didn’t make this up…

AstroYoga is the combination of Astrology and Yoga. In my yoga teaching, I don’t believe in ‘leaving things out’ of the practice. I like to dive deep into the philosophy, history, and cultural contexts yoga came from originally. While some of these practices have evolved over time, I believe it’s important to have a clear view of where we came from.

AstroYoga was an essential part of yoga from the beginning. It’s first mentioned in the Rig Veda (a text from 4000 years ago!). The Rig Veda is referencing an Indian astrological system known as Jyotish.

Independently, the Western world was diving deeper and deeper into medicinal astrology. This system was mentioned in writing around the 1st century AD by the Roman poet astrologer Marcus Manilius.

In the last century, with the advent of yoga moving into the West, these two predominant systems collided and western astrologers for the first time got to examine how yoga and Jyotish intertwined with their more familiar medicinal astrology.

I use the term AstroYoga because what I am practicing is not Jyotish, though I retain some influence. AstroYoga is an ancient practice in a modern context. It is the pathway of tropical astrologers who see the ancient yoga wisdom as essential to a modern context.

So there you have it! Questions, comments, concerns? I’d love to hear from you!

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